Muslim Students Association

Introduction to Ramadan!

Ramadan Mubarak and Welcome (back) to UW! For our first iftar, we'll be presenting some small details on Ramadan, and giving you more details on our campus iftars throughout the month. Enjoy zabiha food prepared by Madison's local Gyro House.

When: 7:25 PM

Where: UW-Hillel (Google Maps: 611 Langdon Street)

Day of Culture: Pakistani Students Association

The PSA will be presenting a small showing on the history and origins of Pakistan, how Ramadan is traditionally celebrated in Pakistan, and a description of PSA’s activities and events. Pakistani cuisine will be served for dinner.

When: 7:20 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

Project Downtown

Founded in 2006, Project Downtown (PD) is a growing organization that is looking to expand its member base this year. Project Downtown plans to show a small presentation describing its philosophy and past events and accomplishments. Afterwards, students will be asked if they wish to come along with PD and volunteer to attend a build-date with Habitat for Humanity in the Northport Commons neighborhood. PD will be helping out in the building of a house for a low-income family by providing some manual labor. In addition, volunteers will be sought to serve a free dinner, planned to take place some time in mid-September at the Neighborhood Community Center on Regent Street (behind the Dean Clinic). This dinner will be advertised for in low-income areas of Madison, and will provide anyone who attends with a free and healthy dinner, cooked by community families in addition to donations from local restaurants. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss their experiences after each event.

When: 7:10 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

Day of Culture: Malaysian Students Association

A traditional Malaysian soup dish will break the fast, followed by Malaysian cuisine for dinner. After a presentation on Malaysia and the Malaysian Students Association, two speakers will say a few words. Following these speeches, a traditional Malaysian song and dance will be performed for all attendees. This promises to be one of our biggest iftars, as we are expecting a large influx of Malaysian students for this event. This promises to be an awesome cultural event that you just can’t miss!

When: 7:10 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

MSA Kickoff!

This iftar will be marketed UW-MSA’s official kickoff event for all students interested in learning more about UW-MSA and becoming more active members. Aside from the usual daily iftar events, UW-MSA will be introducing the Executive Board for the 2009 – 2010 school year, describing our plans for the rest of the school year, and registering members. We will also play several icebreakers in order to become more comfortable with one another.

When: 7:10 PM

Where: MSC Lounge, Red Gym (Google Maps: 716 Langdon Street)

Interfaith Iftar with UW – Hillel

In a beautiful event of religious harmony, the Muslim iftar will occur at the same time as the Jewish Shabbat dinner – right at sunset! A very unique event, Muslims and Jews will be given the rare opportunity to witness how the other religion performs prayer and worship. Afterwards, Muslims and Jews will eat side-by-side and discuss similarities and differences between the two religions as well as ask each other any questions they may have had. In order to further foster friendship and understanding, Rabbi Andrea Steinberger of UW-Hillel will say a few words as well on Hillel’s great relationship with UW-MSA.

When: 7:10 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

Muslim – Jewish Volunteer Initiative

The Muslim-Jewish Volunteer Initiative is a new group on campus that works towards Islam's and Judaism's common goals of service, education, and peaceful coexistence. Starting just last year, MJVI came about as a result of a few Muslim and Jewish students who wanted to do more than just talk to each other and say nice things. They wanted to put their words into action, and gain some lasting friendships along the way. The MJVI will show a small presentation on their origins and philosophy, and will then seek volunteers to help distribute food at a local Madison food pantry (the exact date of the food pantry trip is still being planned).

When: 7:00 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

African Students Association

The African Students Association will be giving a short presentation on their organization, as well as providing information on how Muslims across Africa and the Middle East celebrate Ramadan. Followed by delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.

When: 7:00 PM

Where: UW-Hillel

Iftar at the Islamic Center of Madison Area

UW-MSA is collaborating with the Islamic Center of Madison Area (ICMA), located near Camp Randall stadium, to hold an iftar in what is usually a strange, yet interesting place for many – a mosque. Students will get a chance to mingle with several adult Muslim members of the Madison community, and will hopefully be able to have any questions they have answered by someone in attendance. Students will also be invited the following Friday to witness the special Friday Congregational Prayers. Come and see how Ramadan is done right here in Madison!

When: 7:00 PM

Where: ICMA (Google Maps: 21 Orchard St.)

Fastathon

Fastathon is arguably UW-MSA’s largest most well known event. This is our biggest iftar annually, where we make a really big push to have as many people from all across campus come and experience a day of fasting and fun. A rough description of the event is as follows:

• 6:00 PM Door's open and participants sign in at the door
• 6:45 — 6:55 PM Introduction given by MSA board members.
• 7:06 PM Break the fast with dates and water or milk. Call to prayer.
• 7:10 PM — 7:20 PM Muslims join together for the sunset prayer while participants who are not praying line up for a traditional meal consisting of foods from all over the Muslim world.
• 7:30 — 7:50 PM Lecture on the Importance of Ramadan in Muslim Culture and the religion of Islam as well as the concept of “Going Hungry for a Day” as it relates to the calling for social action in Islam. By Ma’moon Syed, a Madison Muslim community member.
• 7:50 — 8:50 PM Entertainment: Stand-up Comedy by Comedian Mohamed Amer.
• 8:50 — 8:55 PM Last words by the Master of Ceremonies.

Entertainment information: Mohamed Amer is part of the world-famous “Allah Made Me Funny” comedy tour. Please see www.allahmademefunny.com to see a trailer for the Allah Made Me Funny movie as well as a look at the kind of comedy that the comedians do. In a nutshell, Mohamed Amer uses comedy to dismantle stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.

Where: Ogg Hall, Phillips Lounge, Main Floor (Google Maps: 835 W. Dayton Street)